Alexandria, Va. –Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) welcomes Canon Andrew White to the VTS campus Tuesday, May 6. Commonly known as the “Vicar of Baghdad,” White is the leader of St. George's Church, the only Anglican congregation in Iraq.

White will speak about his life and work as vicar of St. George’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Baghdad, Iraq, and his significant ministry of reconciliation among faith leaders in the Middle East. The talk and “Q&A” will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Lettie Pate Evans Interim Chapel , with a reception to follow at 8:30 p.m. The event is free.

Founded in 1864 as a church for the British, St. George’s has become the church for Iraqis, numbering a congregation of 4,000. St. George’s has become an oasis to many in the midst of the reality of daily violence. In response to people’s need, St George’s has its own clinic which serves all Iraqis regardless of faith and a dental practice operated by a Jew, a Christian, and a Muslim. Many live in fear and those who are able to flee the country do so. This is the context in which Canon Andrew White has served since 2005. He is continuing the reconciliation work he began as Special Envoy to the Middle East and the Director for International Ministry at Coventry Cathedral’s International Centre for Reconciliation.

White has written widely on issues of interfaith activity, conflict resolution, and Middle East affairs. His most recent publication is Father, Forgive: Reflections on Peacemaking. He is also President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East which provides much needed humanitarian relief in the Iraqi context.

Founded in 1823, Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest of the 11 accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church. The school prepares men and women, representing more than 42 different dioceses and five different countries, for service in the Church, both as ordained and lay ministers, and offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas. Visit us online at www.vts.edu.